United Book Club members pose with Joseph H. Lake Jr. (seated, right) at the Sip ’N Chat event.
MARIGOT--United Women Book Club (UWBC) hosted its fifth Sip ’N Chat event at Tiki Pool Bar, on Sunday, October 16, with guest author and political activist Joseph H. Lake Jr., where the focal point of discussion was his fictional novel, Kwame.
“Although Lake is preceded by the notoriety of his many political observations and written essays on the identity of island St. Martin, Kwame struck a chord with the members of UWBC, stirring in them an affection for the character, stemming from their own experiences and the nostalgia birthed by the scenes, the environment, and the story told within the pages,” the Book Club stated in its review of the evening
“Lake regards his seniority as a crown of wisdom and of a purpose-driven life. Calm and modest in his demeanour, Lake never lacked for words to articulate the essence of Kwame – the very dream he had for St. Martin.
“He exuded passion and true understanding for his work, always open to teaching, but also to receiving. His interview with [young division – Ed.] YUWBC leader Melba Wescott made his ability to listen so engaging. He paid attention throughout the event to the challenges that each person faced and how his novel extended into the reality of so many, even today.”
The quality of the event was raised by the presence of teachers, writers, instructors, parents, students, family and friends – all eager to share and debate on the common subject matter that is the very root of Kwame’s tumultuous journey – the belief in self.
“The charm of Kwame is directly linked to the genuine love its author has for the advancement of his people and his wish to see all reach for the very thing his protagonist aimed for – the moon,” the club concluded.
The Sip ’N Chat Organising Committee thanked Lake and his family for the opportunity that was given to them to honour his work and allow more people to engage with him. His contribution to the literary world is a treasure, prized and worthy of celebration.
